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| By Katelyn Gendron Reminder Assistant Editor WESTFIELD When students struggle with statistics or physics can baseball be used as a parallel to generate their understanding and interest? Baseball can provide an avenue into any subject, according to Larry Moore, member of the Baseball Hall of Fame's Educational Advisory Board and leader of the "Using Baseball as a Vehicle for Education." Moore will present this professional development series for educators, grades three to 12, on Nov. 6 at Westfield State College (WSC). For 39 years, Moore taught physical education in the Central Berkshire Regional School District, during which time he developed "Sliding Baseball Across the Curriculum." This education model was taught to his fifth grade classes for over 20 years and is now being shared with educators across the country. "What we have found is that education can be carried through baseball into the classroom," Moore said in an interview with Reminder Publications. He explained that there are few seminars that encompass all educators and this teaching model provides a window into America's favorite pastime while engaging students in their area of study. Moore noted that numerous books about baseball can be used to teach literature; baseball statistics can be used to teach math; curve balls can be used to teach physics; and the development of the Women's Professional Baseball League can be used to teach students about World War II. Lectures developed by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum include education for students in 16 areas including Character Education, Civil Rights, Communication Arts, Cultural Diversity, Economics, Fine Arts, Geography, Industrial Technology, Labor History, Leadership, Math, Popular Culture, Science, Special Abilities, United States History and Women's History. "Using Baseball as a Vehicle for Education" is a three-part professional development course that begins with a video-conference on Nov. 6 at 4 p.m. at WSC, followed by a one-day workshop on Nov. 7 at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., and completes with a follow-up assignment due Jan. 1. Robert Rausch, professor of Movement Science, Sport and Leisure Studies at WSC, said he includes Moore's model when teaching his students about bridging gaps in education. "Students all operate on their own interests so the hope is that you tap into those interests [using baseball]," he said. "You're probably going to make a connection with some students that might not get into [certain] subjects." The workshop at WSC costs $100 per educator. For more information about "Using Baseball as a Vehicle for Education" contact Moore by e-mailing lmgymfest@aol.com. |